'The Pogues' frontman Shane MacGowan dead at 65

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November 30, 2023

Shane MacGowan, lead singer of The Pogues and the voice of the 1987 hit "The Fairytale of New York," died at the age of 65.

His wife confirmed his passing in a post on social media Thursday.

Shane MacGowan, 'The Pogues' frontman and 'Fairytale of New York' singer, dead at 65 https://t.co/zUJ7iTfuAi

— Fox News (@FoxNews) November 30, 2023

The statement

"There's no way to describe the loss that I am feeling and the longing for just one more of his smiles that lit up my world," she wrote.

Thank you thank you thank you thank you for your presence in this world you made it so very bright and you gave so much joy to so many people with your heart and soul and your music. You will live in my heart forever. Rave on in the garden all wet with rain that you loved so much," she added.

Shane MacGowan, lead singer of the Pogues, dead at 65 https://t.co/5ox4pvcS0w pic.twitter.com/ms5X6w5hA3

— New York Post (@nypost) November 30, 2023

Cause of death unknown

"A cause of death was not immediately clear on Thursday, but MacGowan — known for his heavy boozing and drug use as well as his mouth full of rotten teeth — had suffered numerous recent health issues," the New York Post reported.

"He received treatment in December 2022 for viral encephalitis — an enlargement of the brain — and spent more time in the Intensive Care Unit over the summer. MacGowan, who has been in a wheelchair since 2015, was back in the hospital earlier this month for an unknown condition. He was only discharged last week," it continued.

The Pogues Frontman Shane MacGowan Dead at 65 | Click to read more 👇 https://t.co/woAcIr3mOK

— TMZ (@TMZ) November 30, 2023

His music

"The band first gained popularity opening for The Clash in 1984, and eventually worked with Elvis Costello ... who produced some of their early records. The Pogues' biggest mainstream success came with their hit, 'Fairytale of New York' in 1987," TMZ reported."The Christmas-themed track has become a holiday staple -- especially in the UK -- so, there's something poetic about Shane passing at this time of year," it noted.He left The Pogues at one point and later reunited with the band in 2001, remaining together again until 2014.MacGowan won many awards for his music, leaving a longtime legacy in his home nation and worldwide.His family, friends and fans now mourn his unexpected passing as MacGowan leaves behind decades of a musical legacy to future generations.